DM water, sewer rates to increase July 1

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The Del Mar City Council on Tuesday adopted increasing water and sewer rates for the next five years after ratepayers showed minimal opposition in a majority protest vote. The new rates will go into effect July 1.

Only 37 written protests were received from property owners or ratepayers during the month-long voting period. More than 1,100 protests, a majority of Del Mar ratepayers, would have been necessary to stop the increases, according to state law.

Water rates will increase between 6 and 7 percent annually from 2009 to 2014. Sewer rates will increase 8 percent this year, and then gradually taper down to a 2 percent increase by 2013.

A drought rate schedule that restricts water usage was also approved, but the council has not moved to implement it yet.